Sometimes it can be difficult to decide which jewelry items to wear. Should the color of your gemstones match your outfit, or is it better to choose a complimentary color? Do pearls go with anything, or only evening-wear? And what about the size of the piece; when is it advisable to make a statement and how do you know when to tone it down? These are all questions that every woman ponders, sometimes on a daily basis. But if you have some basic guidelines in place to help you decide, your jewelry will always be perfect for the occasion. Here are a few general rules-of-thumb to get you on track for outstanding accessorization.
1. Check your head. Your hairdo can make a big difference in what you wear. An up-do practically begs for drop earrings and a spare, bare neck, while long, loose waves are better suited to diamond studs for a hint of sparkle when you swing your hair and a pendant necklace to elongate the neckline. So pick the pieces that are appropriate for your hairstyle.
2. Study stature. The size of your body can definitely play a role in the accessories that will flatter you. Be realistic about your size and you will always look great. The larger ladies can get away with much bolder pieces, both in terms of size and color, so don’t be afraid to embrace current trends like chunky bracelets, mixed-media necklaces (a string of pearls paired with a ribbon-woven chain…you could even throw in a funky, metallic flower), and Rachel Zoe-style cocktail rings. For the more petite, the cutest trend right now involves two thin chains of different lengths, each sporting a small metal disk.
3. Be occasion appropriate. A flashy diamond necklace might be right for the opera, but it simply won’t do for the grocery store. And while you can certainly don your pearls day in and day out (ala Donna Reed), they might not be the best bet for chasing your kids through the park. Finally, loud colors can really compliment dull office attire or a simple jeans-and-tee ensemble, but they simply won’t work for a black-tie affair.
4. Match your mood. If you’re feeling pretty up-beat, use your jewelry to show it! Spice up a simple outfit with some eclectic and over-the-top pieces. If you’re having more of a home-body kind of day, keep your jewelry minimal and toned-down.
5. Take one piece off. If you tend to overdo it when it comes to accessorizing, make a habit of removing one piece of jewelry before you leave the house to scale down and present the picture of a perfectly put-together woman.
